If you’re one of the several million people who are hurt at work each year, you’ll want to ensure that your needs are taken care of. You may be compensated for expenses such as medical bills and lost wages as a result of your injury, so it’s imperative to put yourself in the best possible position to receive the help you need and deserve. By taking the following three steps, you’ll be protecting your rights under Nevada’s workers’ compensation laws and as a part of any potential legal action.

Report the accident

This step is crucial, but it can be easy to ignore if you don’t immediately realize that your accident may have long-term effects. Your accident should be reported to your supervisor. If you’re represented by a union, also make sure that your steward is notified. If you don’t immediately report what happened, your employer may be able to deny your injury occurred at work or even try to take action against you for not properly reporting it in a timely manner.

Keep good records

Write down the names of any coworkers who may have seen your accident and can serve as witnesses. Keep a record of what you told your supervisor and when, and also obtain a copy of the injury report. Keep notes on any conversations you have with your supervisor, doctor or nurse, and insurance companies. If the doctor limits your activities at work, make sure to get this in writing, and make several copies.

Get the proper medical care

In Nevada, you may have to see a doctor that’s in a particular network if your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer is part of a managed care contract. Otherwise, you can choose your own doctor, unless it’s an emergency. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions for care. If you neglect to take prescribed medicine, go to physical therapy appointments, or return to full duty sooner than recommended, your employer may be able to use this against you.

Worker’s compensation cases can be complicated, so it’s important to find an attorney with the specialized experience and expertise your case requires. For more information about Nevada’s workers’ compensation laws, contact Greenman, Goldberg, Raby, Martinez Law Firm at 702-388-GGRM (4476).

Accidents are unpredictable, so be prepared and follow these three steps if you find yourself dealing with one’s aftermath:

Stay at the Scene

Never leave the scene of a car accident, even if it appears minor. If no one is seriously injured, move the involved vehicles to the side of the road. If possible, snap a few photos both before and after the vehicles are moved.

Check Vehicles’ Occupants

Nothing is more important that making sure everyone involved is unharmed. If anyone is seriously hurt, unconscious, or has neck or back pain, don’t move them and call 911 immediately. Only after that should property damage be assessed.

Call the Police

If an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, call the local or state police on a non-emergency number (usually 311) and report the accident. Exchange information with the other driver, taking pictures of any documents like their license, registration, license plate and insurance information. Be sure to obtain the officers’ names and badge numbers and ask for a police report to be filed.

When many people think of Social Security disability benefits, they think of the money they’ll receive after they retire in their 60s. But Social Security disability benefits are also used to help people who have been injured or are ill and can no longer work.

People who apply to receive these disability benefits often have their first claim denied. In fact, about two-third of claims that are filed are initially denied. If you’re in this situation, you should do these three things:

1. Promptly file an appeal

Too often, people who have filed Social Security claims simply give up after their claim is denied. They may eventually decide to try again, but by that point, they have to start the process anew. You have 60 days to file an appeal, so it’s important to act quickly on your claim.

2. Seek legal help

An attorney who has experience in filing Social Security appeals can help you have the best chance of having your appeal approved. These types of lawyers can help you navigate the complicated, multi-step appeals process. They can examine your claim to determine if any errors were made. If not, your attorney will know which details need to be emphasized in order to give you the best chance of having your claim approved.

3. Add any pertinent additional information

Your lawyer can help you get additional documentation from your doctors and former employers to help bolster your claim. In addition, make sure to add any new information about your situation. For example, your condition may have become worse since you first filed for disability benefits. You may also have seen a new doctor, had additional testing, or received a new diagnosis. All of this information can help improve your case.

Many different types of situations can cause personal injuries, including car accidents, bike or pedestrian accidents, use of a defective product, a dog bite or a slip and fall. If you've been injured and need to file a claim, these personal injury tips can help you prepare:
1. Contact the Police
A police report is a vital source of information, such as the contact details for witnesses or other parties involved in the accident. If legal action is necessary, an official police report can provide valuable and authoritative facts about the incident, including the injuries or damages that resulted along with information about who was at fault.
2. Seek Medical Care
Your next step after an injury should be seeking medical attention. Failing to obtain timely medical care can negatively affect your personal injury claim and possible reduce the amount of compensation you receive. As the injured party, it's also your responsibility to take the necessary steps to prevent additional injuries or losses, so be sure to follow up with any recommended medical treatments.
3. Exercise Discretion
Be cautious about what you say when you're talking to other parties at the scene, or responding to questions from insurance company representatives. Don't apologize, accept blame or admit fault for the incident, and don't allow an insurance adjustor to record a statement that may come back to haunt you. It's also not wise to discuss the incident on social media, so avoid posting photos or updates about your recovery from the injury as this could potentially have negative effects on the outcome of your case.
4. Keep Detailed Records
Be sure to document all expenses and costs related to the accident, such as doctor and hospital visits, rehab or physical therapy sessions, repairs for property damage and lost wages. While the details are still fresh in your mind, write out a complete account of the incident too. You should also keep a journal of your recovery and the effects of the injuries on your day-to-day life.
5. Proceed Cautiously
It's wise to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney before signing anything that may forfeit your right to legal action, release another party from liability or settle your claim before you've fully healed. An attorney can also help you deal with the insurance company and clarify the legal process so you avoid making mistakes that have a costly impact on your claim.
If you have been injured and need legal representation, call Greenman, Goldberg, Raby and Martinez at (702) 388-4476 to schedule your free consultation today.

A wide variety of workers cross paths with potentially dangerous dogs every day:

Postal Carriers

Delivery Drivers

Repair Technicians

Land Surveyors

Building Inspectors

Emergency Responders

Whether you are working in one of these jobs, or merely taking a walk, it's important to know the best ways to avoid a dog bite. Although you can’t always stop an attack, these tips can help you lower your risk of a potentially severe dog bite:

Practice Avoidance

As soon as you see an unfamiliar dog, back up slowly and walk away. If the dog belongs to someone you’re visiting, call the owner and explain you have arrived but a dog is blocking your way.

Pay close attention: A dog's behavior can instantly change if it is feeling tired, sick or threatened. It might begin to feel startled, scared, angry, territorial or protective. Sleeping and eating dogs, as well as pregnant and new mothers, are often the most dangerous.

Look for Signs

Dogs use body language to communicate their emotions. Beyond showing their teeth and growling to show that they are upset and/or about to attack, a dog might tense up, display raised fur or a wrinkled nose.

Keep in mind that attempting to calm an upset dog with words or petting rarely works. Your best bet in this situation is to simply walk away.

Call for Help

If you find a stray, call your local Humane Society, animal shelter or other professional animal control organization for assistance. Beyond the risk of a painful bite, a stray dog might have a transmittable bacteria, virus or parasite.

Carry Pepper Spray

Dogs also hate pepper spray. Although this is not recommended as a primary defense against dog bites, it may be your only option if you are unable to avoid a dangerous dog or wait for help to arrive.

Share These Tips

Although many dogs are not dangerous, it is important to always stay vigilant in the presence of an unknown animal. Share these tips with coworkers or loved ones who might be at risk of a potentially dangerous dog bite. Many of the more than 1,000 bite incidents that occur daily in the U.S. involve young children and teens that may not know how to prevent them.

If you have already been bitten, or you have another personal injury situation, call Greenman, Goldberg, Raby & Martinez at (702) 388-4476 to request your free consultation today.

Being involved in a car accident can be costly in a number of ways - you may have to pay for car damages, you or anyone involved in the accident could suffer from injuries and you'll most likely end up spending valuable time speaking with lawyers and insurance companies. The following are 5 tips to avoid an auto accident and can keep you from having to experience the negative consequences of being involved in one:
1. Maintain your vehicle - Simply maintaining your vehicle can help you avoid an accident. For example, making sure that your tires have the proper amount of air in them and that your brakes are working properly. This can be the difference between being able to steady yourself and spinning out of control.
2. Pay attention to the road - Don't just pay attention to the vehicle in front of you, pay attention to the traffic in front of them as well. Always check for cars trying to beat a red light before driving through an intersection after the light turns green. Be wary of cars with visible damage, as this could be a sign of previous accidents.
3. Always check your blind spots - Whenever you are merging, parking or making a turn, always check your blind spots. Never assume a lane is safe to turn or merge into just because you checked your rear view mirrors -- turn your head to ensure the road is clear. A large number of accidents occur because drivers neglect to check their blind spots.
4. Use your headlights - This should be a no-brainer during the nighttime; however, many drivers don't use their lights if it is rainy or foggy because they believe they can see the road clearly. Remember, your headlights aren't just there so that you can see the road -- they are also there so that other drivers can see you. When your headlights are on, everyone will be aware of your presence on the road, even if the conditions are poor, helping to reduce the chances of an accident.
5. Check your surroundings when pulling out - When parked, always look behind you before you begin backing out -- pedestrians often appear without warning. It is also important to maintain a slow speed when pulling out of anywhere to allow yourself time to react should something unexpected get in your way.
These 5 tips could save you from costly proceedings after an accident. If you have been in an auto accident and are considering representation, call Greenman, Goldberg, Raby & Martinez at (702) 388-4476 to schedule your free consultation today.

Social media content is increasingly used as evidence in trials, in everything from personal injury cases to divorces. A recent court ruling, however, illustrated some limits to its use. A California appeals court ruled that Facebook and other social media companies don’t have to hand over private user content to criminal defendants before trial. In a case that weighed the defendants’ right to due process against federal privacy laws, the court came down on the side of privacy.

The details of the case

In the case, two defendants were accused of committing a drive-by shooting. Their lawyers subpoenaed information from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in advance of trial. They were seeking to prove that the victim and a witness made threatening posts before the shooting. The victim, they alleged, was a violent criminal who had made threats against people, and the witness’ statements were motivated by jealousy. The subpoena sought not only public content, but also private content, including e-mail addresses, private messages, and deleted information.

Facebook and the other social media companies fought the subpoenas, saying that federal privacy laws protected the information. They cited the federal Stored Communications Act, which restricts access and disclosure of private online information.

A trial court ruled against the companies, which appealed the case. The appeals court reversed the lower court’s ruling, siding with Facebook. The Court of Appeals said its ruling applied only to pre-trial efforts to subpoena the information and that the defendants could try to once again subpoena the information at trial.

The implications of social media posts

Although the appeals court ruled in favor of the social media companies, this case serves as important reminder of the implications of social media posts. The lower court ruled the opposite way, and the door is still open for the defendants to try to get the information again at trial. Depending on the circumstances, evidence from posts you’ve made can sometimes be used against you in court, just as posts from other people may help support your case.

When you need representation

The experienced attorneys at Greenman, Goldberg, Raby, Martinez in Las Vegas can help advise and represent you in legal action. Call 702-388-GGRM (4476) for a free consultation.

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in Nevada without insurance. However, the sad fact is that there are many drivers on the road right now who are uninsured or underinsured. According to this study, 12.2% of all drivers on the road in Nevada in 2012, had no auto insurance of any kind. If you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist, you could be facing some serious problems even after your medical treatments and car repairs.

What are the risks?

Many people today, in an effort to make car ownership more economical, will sign up for the minimum coverages allowable by law and then completely forget about them when the keys go in the ignition. In Nevada, the minimum amounts allowable by law on your insurance policy are $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident, $30,000 for two or more persons, and $10,000 for injury or destruction of property to others. Anyone who has spent any time in a hospital knows how quickly $15,000 can be spent.

But I have insurance, and I pay every month.

In Nevada, you are not required to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, so if you purchased only the minimum required coverages, and you are injured in an accident with an uninsured motorist, the only coverage you’ll have is for your basic bodily injury, which is the $15,000 mentioned above. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an additional coverage you can, and should, purchase to help you in the event of an accident.

What does uninsured motorist coverage do for me?

What this coverage does is protect you from uninsured motorists, and additionally from hit-and-run drivers, who would otherwise leave you paying all the bills yourself. If you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, and you don’t have this coverage, you could be looking at paying off medical and repair bills out of your own pocket. However, if you purchase additional uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for your insurance policy, your small investment now could pay off in big dividends should you ever be the victim of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

What if the other person has insurance, but their coverage isn’t enough to cover my medical and car repair costs?

Auto insurance companies in Nevada offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage together in one endorsement to the overall insurance contract, and you can choose from coverage as low as $15,000 to as high as $500,000. The size of the coverage will affect your insurance premiums.

So should I go straight to the insurance company with my claim?

Make sure your insurance company is fully aware of your accident and cooperate with them completely as it pertains to their investigation, but at the same time, understand that the insurance company is likely looking out for its own benefit more than yours. Make sure you have someone on your side, looking out for your best interests at all times.

This is a highly technical and complex area, so if you are involved in an accident, be sure to immediately contact experienced personal injury lawyers Greenman, Goldberg, Raby & Martinez in Las Vegas, Nevada. They will help you navigate the murky waters of auto accidents and help you deal with the insurance companies to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding collision and current minimums is critical when considering insurance coverages.

If you suffer injuries due to an automobile accident in Nevada, it is important that you contact experienced personal injury attorneys. Your insurance endorsements are confusing and voluminous, but the experience and personal touch of the attorneys at Greenman Goldberg Raby & Martinez will help you understand that stack of paperwork from your insurance company.

I have the minimum coverage allowed by law, so what will my insurance premium cover?

Unfortunately, not very much. In Nevada, the insurance minimums are commonly referred to as 15/30/10. Those numbers represent the minimum coverages allowed by law for individual personal bodily injury ($15,000), total coverage for bodily injury per accident ($30,000), and coverage per accident for property damage ($10,000). As you can see, there is no minimum coverage required for collision. What this means is that if you are in an accident, it is possible that your insurance company is not required to reimburse you for repairs to your car.

But the accident wasn’t even my fault.

With the help of an attorney, you can attempt to recover money from the driver who was at fault for your accident. However, that process can take a long time, and you need your car repaired immediately. Carrying and using collision coverage on your vehicle will not affect the outcome of your personal injury case. In fact, if you use your own insurance, and continue your personal injury case, it is possible that through a process called subrogation, you may receive a refund of the deductible you paid on your car repairs.

What will collision insurance cover?

Collision coverage is for damage to your vehicle resulting from an automobile accident regardless of fault. If you carry this coverage, it requires the insurance company to pay for the repairs of your vehicle up to the coverage limit, after you pay your deductible. For example, if you have collision coverage in the amount of $15,000, with a $1,000 deductible, you will be responsible only for the first $1,000 of damage done to your vehicle, and the insurance company will pay for everything beyond that amount up to $15,000.

$1,000 is a lot of money, why would I even bother paying for insurance, if I’m going to be responsible for that much?

Firstly, you can ask for a lower deductible, which will raise the monthly cost of your auto insurance. Secondly, according to this study, the average claim for collisions was $3,144. So even with the highest deductible possible, the insurance company would still be responsible for paying over two-thirds of the cost to repair your car.

What are the chances of this happening to me?

In 2013, there were over five million police-reported motor vehicle crashes, of those, over one million resulted in injuries. These accidents happen every day, and in every part of the country. And with the increased value of motor vehicles, the cost of repairs climbs every day. It is important to have insurance coverage that covers you not only in the event of medical bills, but also in mechanics bills.

This is an intricate area of the law, and when you notify your insurance company of an accident, they will immediately begin looking out for their own best interests. Although you should always cooperate with your insurance company during their investigation, you also should make sure you have someone in your corner, making sure you get the coverage and compensation that you deserve. Contact a personal injury attorney at Greenman Goldberg Raby & Martinez today.

Every year, heartbreaking and accidental deaths occur when children are left inside cars. According to a website that tracks hot car deaths, since 1998 an average of 37 US children have died every year from being left in cars that overheated. Nearly all were caused by lack of attention and could have been prevented. Thus, vehicular heatstroke can be a wrongful death case.

According to statistics from 1998-2014, such accidents are the result of three primary circumstances:

In 53%, the child was 'forgotten' to be in the car.

In 29%, the child was playing unattended inside a car without the knowledge of the caregiver.

In 17%, the child was intentionally left inside the car generally while the adult ran an errand.

Within minutes of being left inside a hot vehicle, a child is put into danger. To keep your child safe, here's what you need to know:

There are No Exceptions. A depressing 53% of all the children who died from vehicular heatstroke were under the age of 2. This is partly due to caregivers/guardians not wanting to disturb sleeping infants or mess with cumbersome seat buckles for what they assume is a quick stop. But even a few minutes can fatal. The inside of a car can heat up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in less than ten minuteson an average summer day.

Symptoms and Repercussions. Heatstroke begins when your child's core body temperature reaches around 104 degrees and becomes lethal at 107 degrees. Because a young child's core temperature can spike three to five times faster than adults, heatstroke can happen in temperatures as low as 57 degreesand in shaded areas. Symptoms that a child is reaching dangerous heat levels include disorientation, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Set Reminders. As mentioned before, most cases involve forgetting the child was even in the car, generally because they're sleeping and it's easy for an overworked, tired guardian to get sidetracked with sudden schedule changes. You can prevent this by setting reminders and insisting on caregivers to set reminders that there is a child in the back. Promote visual cues like putting a post-it note on the rearview mirror or keeping the diaper bag on the passenger seat.